Overview

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award-winning health systems in Washington state  CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington, our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers.

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region. 

While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility, and more!

Responsibilities
Performs efficient and meticulous decontamination/sterilization of surgical instruments and equipment, as well as inspecting and assembling surgical instruments, equipment, trays, and packs according to prescribed protocols and industry standards for aseptic technique.  Depending on assigned hospital, incumbents rotate assignments among various decontamination sterilization processing, surgical tray assembly in a continually changing medical and surgical facility.Work also includes: 1) tray assembly, 2) assisting in recordkeeping and monitoring equipment operations, 3) maintaining department inventory and 4) identifying and reporting supply, equipment, and procedure problems and 5) dispensing equipment and supplies. 

Incumbents are also accountable for demonstrating awareness of personal and work area safety at all times; using evidence-based practices (EBP) and complying with facility safety policies and procedures in carrying out duties including those for blood borne pathogens and communicable diseases and; keeping knowledge current on aseptic techniques and basic microbiology sufficient to understand the ways diseases and infections are transmitted and the importance of clean and sterile supplies in patient care; attending training in new and improved sterilization practices and developments in the microbiology, bacteriology, and therapeutic practices as they affect the sterile supply operation.

"We deliver inspired people to do meaningful work."

Qualifications

Education/Work Experience Requirements:
Graduation from the HSPA(Healthcare Sterile Processing Association)and one year of related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities, preferably in an operating room, acute care hospital or central services department preferred.

Job Knowledge/Abilities:

Knowledge of the purpose, name, use and proper set/tray contents/placement of a wide range of highly specialized equipment.Knowledge of infection prevention standards and techniques.Knowledge of aseptic/sterilization/disinfection techniques, procedures, supplies and equipment.Knowledge of VMFH standards and procedures, and legal regulatory requirements applicable to matters within designated scope of responsibility.Knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment and supplies sufficient to disassemble, clean, sterilize, reassemble, pack, dispense and store appropriately.Knowledge of spore testing techniques, and appropriate sterilization type.Knowledge of the standards for handling sterilized and clean materials and for maintaining a safe environment.Knowledge of the meaning and use of medical terminology.Knowledge of what factors can violate the integrity of sterile packages.Ability to recognize a considerable array of existing and new instruments and supplies, to discriminate among similar-appearing instruments and to recognize instruments/equipment that does not meet sterile standards.Ability to effectively operate and maintain a variety of sterilization equipment to sort, clean and decontaminate surgical instruments.Ability to understand and follow detailed procedures and techniques in performing the duties of the position.Ability to document activities according to established standards.Ability to read, understand and communicate in English sufficient to perform the duties of the position.Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required by the duties of the position.

Licensure/Certification:

Current certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) by the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association (HSPA) at hire or within six months of date of hire; ORCurrent certification as a Certified Sterile Processing Distribution Technician (CSPDT) by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.